With one in four people in the UK likely to be affected by mental ill health at some stage in their lives, employers need to be able to manage the risk this presents within their organisation at every stage in the employment relationship. By providing an environment in which affected employees feel supported when issues do arise and where management are confident enough to be proactive, risks can be minimised, business can operate as usual and the workforce can be healthier, happier and more productive.
The current pandemic and government guidance for people to work from home where possible has left employers facing increased challenges. The extension of lockdown has caused more anxiety and worry for many. In particular employees who are; working from home with increasing stresses from their families, being isolated from their loved ones or employees placed on furlough and are uncertain about the future.
Employment Law specialist, Chris Phillips hosted a short webinar to discuss all of these points and answer attendee questions.
Topics covered included:
- The causes of work related stress - including the HSE management standards
- Raising awareness of mental health and recognising the warning signs
- The relationship between stress and mental ill health
- The importance of open communications, positive culture and reducing stigma
- Managing absence arising from mental health
- Defining and avoiding disability discrimination and other legal claims
- Coronavirus related issues such as; Managing your teams remotely, Anxiety of returning to the workplace and implications of home working and an employer’s responsibilities to mental wellbeing
If you have questions about managing mental health and wellbeing in the workplace, please contact Chris or any member of the employment team on 03330 430350
Broadcast: 25 June 2020. The content in this webinar, guidance and advice provided by the host, is correct at the time of broadcast. If you are watching a recording after the broadcast date please contact us for the most up to date guidance and advice on this topic.
